Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen, left foreground, carries personal items from his car as he walks to the dorms as the NFL team's players arrive for the beginning of training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., Tuesday, July 25, 2017. The team has several issues looming including how much Cam Newton will throw and whether Thomas Davis and Greg Olsen will receive contract extensions. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen backs up a golf cart as he leaves the dorms as after arriving for the beginning for training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., Tuesday, July 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Carolina Panthers' Matt Kalil, right, gets some help as he carries things to the dorms as the NFL team's players arrive for the beginning for training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., Tuesday, July 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson stretches as he climbs from his car outside the dorms as the NFL team's players arrive for the beginning for training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., Tuesday, July 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Carolina Panthers' Shaq Thompson walks to the dorms as the NFL team's players arrive for the beginning for training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., Tuesday, July 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers walks to the dorms as the NFL team's players arrive for the beginning for training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., Tuesday, July 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Panthers' Olsen: Holding out 'wasn't the right thing to do'

By STEVE REED

Jul. 25, 2017

Olsen reported to training camp on time Tuesday, saying he didn't want to hold out and be a distraction to an organization aiming to win its first Super Bowl.

The 32-year-old Olsen has two years left on his contract, but has outplayed his current deal, becoming the first tight end in NFL history with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He was voted second-team All-Pro in 2015 and 2016.

Olsen contemplated holding out for more money, but ultimately decided against it.

"I just didn't feel it was right for me to put my situation and my own personal interests above that of the team," Olsen said as players checked into their dorm rooms at Wofford College. "If I don't show up today and cause a big stink, what would have come of that was just not fair to everybody, from ownership to the last guy on the roster. It's not something I wanted to be a part of when it came down to it. It's not who I am."

Olsen caught 80 passes for 1,073 yards and three touchdowns last season. He has 32 TD catches in six seasons with the Panthers.

"We feel very strongly about what we have been able to accomplish these last couple of years," Olsen said.

It's unclear when Olsen will get a new deal.

Carolina recently shook up its front office, firing general manager Dave Gettleman and replacing him with Marty Hurney on an interim basis. The decision was made, in part, because Gettleman didn't grant contract extensions to Olsen and linebacker Thomas Davis, two of Carolina's most popular players.

Olsen has a better working relationship with Hurney, who was responsible for bringing him to Carolina via trade in 2011 when he was the full-time GM.

Olsen said he met with Hurney after he was hired, that they had a "good talk" and understand each other's positioning on contract negotiations. But despite the change in the front office Olsen said he's been given "no promises" a deal will be worked out anytime soon.

With Olsen having two years left the Panthers may be more inclined to wait lest they set a precedent through which other players with multiple years remaining on their contracts begin asking for new deals.

Davis, who also reported to training camp on time, is more likely to get an extension because he has one year left on his contract. Davis was not immediately available for interviews.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said there was no doubt in his mind Olsen and Davis — both team captains — would show up for camp.

"Those guys are professionals and they know how to separate business aspect from the team aspect," Rivera said. "I really believe in those guys. I think it's something the organization is going to work through."

Said Olsen: "What we tried to do was no different than what happens around the league," Olsen said. "It's very common business for players and management to go back and forth and try to find common ground. ... We gave it a run, it didn't work out and now I play out my contract and try to win a Super Bowl."

Former Panthers offensive tackle Michael Oher recently suggested on Instagram that some players in the locker room were responsible for Gettleman being fired, and warned that karma would come back to get them.

Olsen said he had a good relationship with Gettleman, although he added that they didn't always see eye to eye.

"As far as any personal grudges or animosity that brewed from all of this was just not the case," Olsen said.

The Panthers have added several veterans to their roster this offseason, including defensive end Julius Peppers, left tackle Matt Kalil, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and safety Mike Adams. Carolina went to the Super Bowl after the 2015 season, but lost 24-10 to the Denver Broncos.

Injuries and some inconsistent play by quarterback Cam Newton contributed to a 6-10 record last year.

"Everybody has been working real hard," said veteran safety Kurt Coleman. "Now it's about staying healthy and building that chemistry."